Follow the self proclaimed "Clot Buster" triathlete on his quest to raise funds for the NATIONAL BLOOD CLOT ALLIANCE- STOPTHECLOT.org
Come along for the SWIM, the RIDE, the RUN, and everything in between!
Learn more about blood clots and blood clotting disorders at www.STOPTHECLOT.org

Get YOUR very own CLOT BUSTER #StopTheClot polka-dots

The "CLOT BUSTERs RACING to STOP THE CLOT" RUNNING SHIRT + TRIATHLON TOP + CYCLING JERSEY + PERFORMANCE TRUCKER HAT & PERFORMANCE VISOR!!!PLEASE HELP US CELEBRATE CLOT SURVIVORS and spread awareness about blood clots and blood clotting disorders.If you are aCLOT SURVIVOR you need polka-dots to inspire others and CELEBRATE that you are Survivor.If you are aFAMILY MEMBER or FRIEND of a blood clot survivor you need polka-dots to spread the word, create awareness andCELEBRATE your Survivor's Accomplishments!(If you don't see the size you need we can make special arrangements so just ask @ CLOTBUSTERPOLKADOTS@gmail.com)

It was a fantastic course with the swim in the Atlantic Ocean... that part was new for the two of us. Luckily it was calm and we did not have to fight any currents. But once out of the water the bike course was a treat along the coast and through some hilly terrain that tested my legs even if it was only 9.5 Miles...

Got to ride all over Yarmouth, MA on very nice roads with some views that were photo worthy... too bad I am not smart enough to take the camera with me.

We camped for two nights in the Pocono Mountains of Easter PA and I have to tell you that the hills out there were no joke... I had to grind my way up some of the hills I was able to find within a few miles of the campground. Again, not smart enough to take a camera with me to provide proof... but if you could feel what I felt on those grades you would understand.It was a FANTASTIC time in our first long vacation with Junior. He was sensational even after being many hours cramped in the car.

So, we are back and better than ever...

Looking to do a couple of more races before the summer is over. I am not sure which ones yet so I better get busy with my research... I toyed with the idea of a half-iron race in September but for the first time in my 50+ triathlon racing career I just don't think I can prepare for such a long event and be where I want to be. So, Olympic distance races it is for the rest of the year.

Be in the look out for the polka-dots near you... you never know they've made it all the way to Cape Cod and the Atlantic Ocean...

Monday, July 12, 2010

Very recently I surprised to learn that a very popular NASCAR driver came down with a very serious episode of blood clots that unfortunately have parked him on the sidelines for this season...

It is unfortunate that I first learned about Mr. BRIAN VICKERS through the STOP THE CLOT network available to me. Thankfully he is fine and on his way to recover fully. Although there is a question about his eventual return to racing due to risk of being on blood thinners and the potential dangers of severe crashes that cause some serious complications. As far as I can read from the information available in the media he remains very involved with the sport and I have no question that somehow someway he will be back and putting the pedal to the metal.

Perhaps someday I will get the chance to meet Mr. Vickers and get to know him better and learn about his story to complement this post and make it more personal. I did not get the chance to ask him my usual 10 questions that I could share with all of you out there. But someday I will. My path as the Clot Buster surely will intersect a NASCAR drivers at somepoint through the bonding expirience of STOP THE CLOT.

Take a look at Mr. Vickers' website and follow along through his road to recovery.I wish that next season he makes it back behind the wheel making those laps as fast as he can. How cool would it be that someday a red polka-dot NASCAR with the number 83 would make it in a race track out there just to spread the word about STOP THE CLOT at fast speeds?!?!?

Saturday = Attempted to rest... instead full day of sports on TV (are you kidding me... Germany VS. Argentina and Spain VS. Paraguay in addtion to the start of the Tour...) + picnic at Alum Creek Beach which included some Kayaking by all even Cacheton.Sunday = Triathlon in the AM... Short and sweet sprint race that was an ALL OUT EFFORT with the polka-dots in FULL DISPLAY... 5th in my age group and 17th Overall out of 241 participants - not bad + 4th. July Parade for Ian to see Fire Trucks and Police cars with their lights on + mowed the lawn ahead of the brutal heat tomorrow + and a lovely cookout with some friends.

Monday = NOT WORKING... FANTASTIC...sorry to all of you out there but I enjoy my time away from work any way possible... Early morning hike with the family at Highbanks Park top it all off milkshakes on the way home. Now, Ian is sleeping and I am off to do more of my little "side-kick" projects around the house.

I would not change anything about this weekend. Just the way I like it!